The name Island Peak was given to the mountain in 1952 by Eric Shipton's party who were on their way to explore the Barun Gorge. Seen from above Dingboche the mountain does indeed resemble an island in a sea of ice. In 1983 it was renamed Imja Tse, although for most people the descriptive name of Island Peak seems to have been retained.

The mountain was first dimbed in 1953 by a very prestigious team in preparation for the ascent of Everest. They were Charles Evans, Alf Gregory, Charles Wylie and Tenzing Norgay, with seven Sherpas who were trying out the new fangled oxygen sets; as practice, of course, for loftier things. Fortunately this didn't set a precedent and most people seem able to climb it without bottled air.

Gokyo Peak is located at the end of the Gokyo valley in the Khumbu region of Nepal. A very popular trekking destination, a sort of side trip for those who are in the region to go to Everest Base Camp. Many trip outfitters include a visit to this 17,988 ft. hill. The views from here are spectacular possibly surpassing those from Kala Pattar above Gorak Shep near the Everest Base Camp. Notable peaks to be viewed from this 17,988 ft. vantage point are Cho Oyu, Gyachung Kang, Lhoste, Everest and on a clear day Makalu. The vantage point can be reached in about 2-3 hours if you are acclimatized well, from the summer grazing village of Gokyo (15,720 ft). The point where 99 % of the trekkers go, is not the real summit but a shoulder at 5360 m (17584 ft.) All you will need is a Trekking Permit.

 

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